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Household hints

botoni posted on Mar 20, 2007 | views: 1941 | Tags: household hints, houseold, humor, smelly house
Here is a spot to share your household hints.  Share the very best tip you ve got and share the most humorous one too.
 
Here are mine.
 
Wrap celery in aluminum foil (tin foil) before refrigerating .....it will literally stay fresh for weeks.
 
Phylis Diller said:  "Nerver dust!  It makes it so much easier to tell where to put things back."
 
Pound away gang!


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Comments

  • polarheart said on Mar 20, 2007....
    Oh, this is a cool post, Botoni!  Will come back to it in the morrow!
  • gingersoul said on Mar 20, 2007....

    Bot.....oh, and i thought the it was my philosophy....why dust if you can't?..Lol...

    I use the celery tip also for my basil and parsley leaves.

    I use lemon to clean the grease from the grill. (you know i am a lemon freak..lol..) I use lemon peeled to cut the sweetness of my tomato sauce. I discovered here in Usa people use sugar... .And i use lemon juice in the summer to brighten up the blond of my hair..

    I use baking soda as smell eater in the fridge and a cup of vineyard in the pantry. I use the laundry antistatic paper sheets even for dusting (yes, i admit it....i do dust sometimes....lol..) 

    I use sugar and honey when i dont have my exfoliating boyd lotion during my shower. I use pure sugar to exfoliate elbow and knee and sole feet.

    And so on.....i will be back...

  • wombat said on Mar 20, 2007....
    When making a roast or whatever involves alot of peeling (potatoes, onions etc..)  I grab a plastic shopping back and lay it open over the counter and do the peeling right into the bag.  Just tie in a knot and throw it away.  No mess!
     
    I also keep baking soda in the shower--a dab in my shampoo gets out hairspray gunk and keeps my scalp healthy.  Also----
     
    What?  Yes, wombie, you can speak....
     
    I sharpen my incisors on groundroots--white gum roots make them extra shiny!   {Tee-Hee}
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 20, 2007....
    LOVE this Bot!
     
    I use Dawn Direct Foam on EVERYTHING! It's fantastic on cleaning a caked on pan or dish in minutes instead of soaking for hours in regular detergent. 
     
    I also use Dawn Direct Foam with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to do double duty!  I usually save this combo for my ring around the tub.  I used it on my Grandmother's fridge that had 20 years of splat on it when NOTHING else worked, Simple Green was like using water!  I have to mention, I get the wicked willies when I use that damn sponge...&(*&)(&*&^$##%&^#$%^&*()_+!!!! Freeeeaks me out!
     
    I also use tin foil to clean my sink. 
     
    I use lemon, ice and salt in my sink disposal.  The ice keeps the blades sharp and the lemon peel makes it smell better. 
     
    To clean the coffee pot, I use lemon juice, salt and ice cubes and swirl it all around before cleaning in the sink. 
     
    I hope to get some more hints to help me feed my OCD! 
     
    Daily
  • wombat said on Mar 20, 2007....
    Wombat:  What the heck is a "plastic shopping back?"  Oh, you meant "bag."
     
    (just fooling around to entertain myself....)
  • botoni said on Mar 20, 2007....
    lol wombie.....i talk to myself too!
     
  • botoni said on Mar 20, 2007....
    baking soda is obviously a hero!.....I make a paste with it and use it to clean my silver
  • botoni said on Mar 20, 2007....
    oh......and one or teaspoons in home baked beans will remove the farts.
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Mar 21, 2007....
    If you store cookies in a tupperware-type container, put a fresh slice of bread in with them. (Replace every other day or so, whenever it starts to feel dry.) This will help keep cookies fresh - try it! :)
  • wombat said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Clean your iron skillet after use by half-filling with water and a squirt of Dawn.  Heat till it bubbles a few minutes, then wash with the soft side of sponge.  Dry by putting it back on the heat.  After it cools, spray with Pam, or use a paper towel to swipe oil on it--and store for next time.   (hubby taught me this--don't ruin his mom's iron skillet!)
  • MissMimi said on Mar 21, 2007....
    along the same lines as what infernal said, if you keep a slice of bread in your brown sugar container, it will keep the brown sugar soft.
  • silverwhisper said on Mar 21, 2007....
    wombat: if you do that to your cast-iron skillet, it doesn't get seasoned, does it?

    um...that CLR stuff works like a dream. seriously.

    ed
  • polarheart said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Dont know what you guys call it in the US but here we have the MrMuscle range of cleaning products - I use the Shower Shine one to clean my windows and mirrors too (using paper kitchen towel). . .it leaves no streaks!
     
    To clean out the inside of jars or bottles that have sticky icky stuff inside, fill with warm water and pour in some coarse salt (or sand) and swirl and shake around.  It will remove everthing from the inside of the bottle.
     
    Use chopped up banana peels to mulch into your rosebeds, the potasium in the peels is very good for the roses.
     
    On stainless steel kitchen equipment even stoves. Keep a little baby oil handy and apply a tiny bit to paper kitchen towel and rub on the appliances - it will remove streaks.
     
    Put a small amount of rice grains into your salt shaker, it will prevent the salt from caking and the rice is too big to come out of the holes.
     
    I will come back if I can remember some more! :-)
  • boyzmom said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Wombat- if I would have known about how to clean the iron skillet I had before, I would have kept the darn thing. No maybe not, I like non-stick skillets better anyhow.
  • botoni said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Whhhhhhhhhooooooeeee!......great tips.  I m with Daily!  My OCD is going crazy!
     
    An apple works also to keep brown sugar soft or to soften it after its harden....Just pop it in air tight container and in a day it ll b softened.
     
    Everyone likely knows this one.  A 10% vinegar in water solution sprayed on windows/mirrors and wiped with used newspaper works wonders.
     
    polor.....in North America we do have Mr. Muscle. 
     
     
     
  • Zayda said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Interesting, I never heard that tip for celery. I always went with the clean your celery and wash it then stand it in a jar of water. It will keep fresh and crisp for weeks that way.
  • isthisit said on Mar 21, 2007....
    I am sure you pry all know this one, but when you cut onions you can put salt on your hands to take the smell out, or even better, rub them on your faucet or sink if its stainless steal, and your hands wont smell nasty all day.
  • MissMimi said on Mar 21, 2007....
    If you want to remove the adhesive from the labels on jars, rub some vegetable oil on them. I know this works because when my cat was a kitten she got a piece of packing tape stuck to her whiskers and it was the only thing that worked to get it off.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Mimi:  Also, baby powder works to take off adhesive from labels.
     
    Candles in a candle holder:  Put a drop of water in the bottom of the holder.  When the candle is done and the wax is all melted, it pops right out!  No scraping needed to reuse the candle holder. 
  • MissMimi said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Daily, I hadn't heard of that one. I wonder if that would work to get chewing gum out of clothing or worse yet, hair.
    This is more along the lines of Don't be an idiot like I was: Don't store a tupperware container filled with cookies in the oven. If you forget and turn the oven on, it melts. Melted tupperware stinks to high heaven, and it's a real pain to clean up.
  • botoni said on Mar 21, 2007....
    daily......that tip for candleholders is terrific!
     
    MissMimi......We bake alike.  I ve done exactly the same thing.  Its a very distinct odor!
  • polarheart said on Mar 21, 2007....
    We have a product here called Cilit Bang - it is for limescale on taps and such.  I discovered on the weekend that it also removes rust marks from pvc, perhaps even tiles. . .worth a try.
  • polarheart said on Mar 21, 2007....
    When you buy roses and are about to put them in the vase.  Hold the stems under water and then cut them (under the water) at an angle. . .I cant remember why, but this is supposed to make them last longer.  Also, always put roses into water from the frigde.
  • minniemouse said on Mar 21, 2007....
    if you forget your drop of water in the candle holder, put the candle holder in the freezer, the wax will freeze and will pop right out!  This also works on some fabrics too......yes, I did put an entire table cloth in the freezer.  Husband thought I had a few screws loose, but no more wax on the table cloth!!
  • vanishingspirit said on Mar 21, 2007....
    MM..I have a great solution for Gum, expecially in hair..Peanutbutter, works like magic, just a small dab of peanutbutter rub it into hair and the gum comes right out....and the wax idea for candles in the freezer is great also..Here's another solution for wax on carpet, use hot iron and lay newspaper,or paper towel on wax, iron on top of paper a few minutes after doing this, several times on the wax and each time moving the paper,( to a clean part) the wax come up.  Vanishingspirit
  • minniemouse said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Thanks vanishing!  I love the tip for carpet.....saves me from trying to stuff our wall to wall carpet in the freezer!!!  lol
  • botoni said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Polor.....I gotta change my eye glass prescription.....I first saw Clit Bang and thought you were aiming for a different post.....hhhehe.......I wonder if Cilit Bang is like our CLR.......
     
    Minnniemouse.......LOL @ carpet freezing!
     
    Vanishing.....Peanut Butter!  I ll try  to remember that....even though I dont have enough hair to get gum in to it.
  • MissMimi said on Mar 21, 2007....
    LOLOL... botoni, I thought I was the only one with a dirty mind! Glad you saw it too!
  • polarheart said on Mar 21, 2007....
    You know, some people just see what they want to see! LOL
  • botoni said on Mar 21, 2007....
    mimi.......so glad to have you for support!
     
    polar.....you wouldnt like it any other way!
  • boyzmom said on Mar 21, 2007....
    To get marker off the floors and walls, use the marker on it again and clean while it is still wet. I think that only works if it is not permanent marker, I'm not sure.
  • polarheart said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Boyz, my tip for permanent markers is deoderant - spray it directly onto the marker spoil and wipe with paper kitchen toweling.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Use baby wipes to get rid of white underarm deoderant left around.  Your solid may say "clear" but you find out later, it isn't...always the worst!
     
    Daily
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 21, 2007....
    The format's a bit messy, but it's one list.  I hope I didn't forget anyone!  Daily
     
    Keeping Things Fresh
     
    Botoni:  Wrap celery in aluminum foil (tin foil) before refrigerating to keep fresh for weeks.
    Botoni:  An apple works also to keep brown sugar soft or to soften it after its harden....Just pop it in air tight container and in a day it it will be softened.
    Ginger:  Wrap aluminum foil (tin foil)  around basil and parsley leaves to keep fres. 
    Zayda:   Clean celery, wash it.  Stand celery in a jar of water, it will keep fresh and crisp for weeks.
    Polarheart:  Hold rose stems under water and then cut them under the water at an angle to last longer.  Always put roses into water from the fridge.
    Infernal:  If you store cookies in a Tupperware type container, put a fresh slice of bread in with them to keep the cookies fresh.  Change the bread when it starts to feel dry.
    Mimi:  Keep a slice of bread in your brown sugar container, it will keep the brown sugar soft.
    Polar:  Put a small amount of rice grains into your salt shaker, it will prevent the salt from caking and the rice is too big to come out of the holes.
     
     
     
    Baking Soda
     
    Ginger:  Use baking soda in the refrigerator as a smell eater and a cup of vinegar in the pantry.
    Wombat:  Keep baking soda in the shower, a dab in shampoo gets out hairspray gunk and keep a healthy scalp.
    Botoni:  Make a paste with baking soda to clean silver
     
     
     
     
    Cleaning
     
    Ginger:  Use lemon to clean the grill
    Ginger:  Use laundry anti-static sheets  to dust
    Wombat:  When  making a roast or anything that involves a lot of peeling (potatoes, onions etc.) Use a plastic shopping bag and lay it open over the counter and do the peeling right into the bag.  Tie a knot and throw it away.  No Mess!
    Daily:  Use tin foil to clean a stainless steel sink, makes a beautiful shine!
    Daily:  Use lemon peel, ice and salt to clean the blades (and sharpen them) in the sink disposal.
    Daily:  Clean a coffee pot with lemon juice, ice and salt.  Swirl it around and then clean it in the sink.
    Daily:   I use Dawn Direct Foam with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to do double duty! Great for soap scum.
    Wombat:  Clean your iron skillet after use by half-filling with water and a squirt of Dawn.  Heat till it bubbles a few minutes, then wash with the soft side of sponge.  Dry by putting it back on the heat.  After it cools, spray with Pam, or use a paper towel to swipe oil on it--and store for next time.  
    Polar:  To clean out the inside of jars or bottles that have sticky icky stuff inside, fill with warm water and pour in some coarse salt (or sand) and swirl and shake around.  It will remove everything from the inside of the bottle.
    Polar:  On stainless steel kitchen equipment even stoves. Keep a little baby oil handy and apply a tiny bit to paper kitchen towel and rub on the appliances - it will remove streaks.
    Polar:  Everyone likely knows this one.  A 10% vinegar in water solution sprayed on windows/mirrors and wiped with used newspaper works wonders.
    Boyzmom:  To get marker off the floors and walls, use the marker on it again and clean while it is still wet.Not sure if it works with permanent marker.
    Polar:  Use spray deodorant and apply directly onto the marker spoil and wipe with paper kitchen toweling.
    Polar:  UK product Cilit Bang also works to remove rust marks from pvc, perhaps even tiles.
     
     
    Get the Hard Stuff Off
     
    Isthisit:  When you cut onions you can put salt on your hands to take the smell out, or even better, rub them on your faucet or sink if its stainless steal, and your hands wont smell nasty all day.
    Mimi:  If you want to remove the adhesive from the labels on jars, rub some vegetable oil on them.
    Daily:  Try using baby powder to remove the adhesive from labels or price dags.
    Daily:  Before you light a candle in a candle holder, put a drop of water in at the base.  When the candle is done and the wax is all melted, it pops right out!
    MinnieMouse:  If you forget your drop of water in the candle holder, put the candle holder in the freezer, the wax will freeze and will pop right out!  This also works on some fabrics too......
    Vanish:  For gum in hair, use a small dab of peanutbutter rub it into hair and the gum comes right out.
    Vanish:  For wax on carpet, use hot iron and lay newspaper,or paper towel on wax, iron on top of paper a few minutes after doing this, several times on the wax and each time moving the paper,( to a clean part) the wax come up. 
     
    All the Rest
     
    Ginger:  Lemon peel to cut the sweetness of  tomato sauce.
    Ginger:  Use lemon juice to brighten up blonde hair.
    Ginger:  Use sugar and honey to exfoliate body in the shower.  Use pure sugar to exfoliate elbows, knees     
    and feet soles. 
    Polar:  Use chopped up banana peels to mulch into your rosebeds, the potasium in the peels is very good for the roses.
    Daily:  Use a baby wipe to get white deodorant mark off your nice black shirt, even if the stick said it was clear.
  • boyzmom said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Thanks for organizing that Daily.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 21, 2007....
    Boyz, lol, you're welcome...I tried!
    Daily
  • botoni said on Mar 22, 2007....

    daily......you re a miracle worker!

    Thanks everybody for all those hints!

  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 22, 2007....
    Hardly, Bot!  Thanks, though!
     
    I'm still waiting and wanting more tips!!!  I love this stuff!  Spring cleaning time is coming up and I know I can and will try a lot of these tips!
     
    Daily
  • botoni said on Mar 22, 2007....
    Try this if you like poached eggs.  Put a tablespoon or so of vinegar in the water before you put the eggs in.  It will reduce the amount of white that separates.
     
    Same thing with boiling eggs...it will reduce the likely hood of cracking.
  • MissMimi said on Mar 22, 2007....
    Eggcellent way to make hard boiled eggs: Place eggs in a pan of cold water. Bring to a full boil, put the lid on the pan and remove from heat. Let eggs sit for 20 minutes. It's a good way to keep that ugly green ring from forming around the yolks. Also, very fresh eggs, hard-boiled, are harder to peel. Use eggs you bought a week or so ago.
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 22, 2007....
    Ahhh, I forgot about another one for the ladies, or men with hair, lol! 
     
    If you are in a rush and your hair looks a little greasy, put some baby powder on a brush and run it through your hair several times.  Don't put too much on, or you'll end up white. 
     
    NOTE:  DOES NOT reverse the effects of Eucerin Cream in the hair!
     
    Daily
  • botoni said on Mar 22, 2007....
    DAILY!........LOL!
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 23, 2007....
    :-D
  • vanishingspirit said on Mar 24, 2007....
    botoni...here's a couple more I forgot to list, for the washer helps on whites with ring around the color and brighten's clothes, baking soda...also baking soda works well on the flat top stoves it removes stains, (from pan the bottom of the pan,( brown stuff) and also spills that get baked on . ~Van~
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 24, 2007....

    I just saw one on TV!  To remove scuff marks from the floor, use an eraser.

    Daily

  • Zayda said on Mar 25, 2007....
    Here's another good one. To battle rust-causing moisture in your tool box, place charcoal briquettes (2-3) into a small fabric (linen works well) bag and keep the bag in your tool box. Charcoal will absorb the dampness common in many sheds, basements, and garages and keep your tools from rusting.
  • wombat said on Mar 25, 2007....
    zayda:  Will have to tell hubby about this one!  I had never heard it and he has alot of tools rusting in a relatives shed.
  • boyzmom said on Mar 25, 2007....
    Zayda- I have heard of that before, and it seems like there is another way to keep tools from rusting but I can't remember it, which explains the rust on my tools.
  • botoni said on Mar 26, 2007....
    vanishing.....wish I d had that tip when I wore those damn white shirts.
    daily.......I ll give that a try. My living room got a couple of scuffs on the weekend.
    Zayda.....hmmmm.....charcoal for preventing rusty tools...I like that...I have tried a gentle spray with WD40....however that leaves them a bit slick.
    boyz......let us know the results.
  • botoni said on Mar 26, 2007....
    One I just discovered....for bee and wasp stings tape a penny over the bite....the copper seems to leach out the poison....I m told the bite will even stop stinging....leave it on for 15 minutes.
  • mom said on Mar 27, 2007....

    I loved the hints guys and I have a few.  Take all your fitten sheets and put them on the bed at one time and as one set gets dirty just pull it off and you will have sheets already on.

    Also if you take a used condom and rinse it out thouroughly and check for leaks you can get so many more uses.  If there are leaks then just patch with duct tape.  If you don't like the idea of reusing a condom then you can always put a corn dog in it and it will keep fresh for weeks.

    Now here is a tip that can save you some money.  If you have tampons in the house, they make a wonderful plug for bloody noses.  Plus they have rip cords so there is no fear of them getting lodged.

    Here is a great idea for headaches and PMS- "husband be gone"  yes it is a great tool for any home where a man resides.  It is real easy to use, grab the 2x4 and swing.  It has really been a life saver.  Be careful not to over use it as it can cause brain damage.  My husband doesn't talk much anymore but he drools alot and once in awhile he lets out a mindless giggle, bless his heart. Remember I am not only the president but I am also a client. ;)

     

     

    Semen makes a very good glue.  You should see me trying to peeled my legs apart after sex.  Use it for nicknacks.  It really is a wonder product.

  • botoni said on Mar 27, 2007....
    mom......easily translated....Use a condom twice, turn it inside out and shake the fuck out of it!
    Has anyone mentioned you are just plain sick? You re my role model!!!!!!!!!
  • MissMimi said on Mar 27, 2007....
    Mom, you are my hero. I aspire to be as hilarious and outrageous as you are. I need to remember to put on a Depends before I log on to SoulCast. Prevents those embarrassing little dribbles.


    I've also heard you can wash a condom out and use it to fill cannoli. Gives the filling a real distinctive flavor. Or, how about sausage casings? Just the right size to fit in a bun.
  • mom said on Mar 27, 2007....

    Bot- now that is funny, that is how my kids do their underwear, they just turn them inside out.  From the back they look like a couple of dodges waiting at the start line.  Oh hell yes I am sick but then some people leave ya alone. I love to shock and make ill. :)

    Mimi- I think you are pretty outrageous already,  Cannoli and sausage casings.  LOL   I wish I had thought of that.  Yep a real pungent flavor, but hey that could be your trademark.  Mimis pungent sausage on a bun :)  Made with her own secret sauce.

  • MissMimi said on Mar 27, 2007....
    LOL! Um, mom? That's gross, dear. Good one. ;)
  • mom said on Mar 27, 2007....
    LOL I know :)
  • dailyachesandpains said on Mar 27, 2007....

    Bot, thanks for that tip...If I get stung this year, I know who to come to for blame, lol!

    Daily

  • vanishingspirit said on Apr 05, 2007....
    botoni...one more, for skuffs on laminant floor, you can use the sole of a shoe, has to be a white sole.,(with shoe on your foot) and rub foot over black mark, the skuff comes off..very easy.. Van
  • fearing said on Feb 10, 2008....
    This is a very useful post Botoni and thanks to Daily for pointing it out to me!
  • gingersoul said on Feb 10, 2008....
    There you go Daily and Bottiebabe....
     
     
    Enjoy it...:-)
     
  • dailyachesandpains said on Feb 10, 2008....

    YAY!  IT'S ALIVE! 

    Thank you fearing and Gingie for coming to this post. 

    Gingie:  I went to that site and bookmarked it!  Thank you!

  • botoni said on Feb 10, 2008....
    Gingerbabes! Thats a wonderful site. Thanks loads.
  • gingersoul said on Feb 10, 2008....
    Hey guys...glad you liked it...now...go back to dust....LOL....
  • katanaavion said on Mar 22, 2009....
    yeah I know this is an older post, but wanted to add a few things.

    To clean your microwave:
    peel an orange or a lemon, microwave the peelings for 15 seconds. The inside will smell fresh and any crusties on the inside will wipe up easily.

    To freshen dry clean only clothes:
    If you can't make it to the cleaners, use a little dry baking soda on any "dirty" marks on the clothes, and brush off. Stick the item into the freezer overnight. They will smell fresh and look like you just picked them up from the cleaners.

    To make your own potpourri:
    Slice 1 apple and 1 orange, put into a pot of water. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of ground cloves to the water as well. Bring to a rolling boil, then simmer as long as you want to, remembering to check and add more water as it simmers down. Your whole house will smell delicious! This mixture can be used for one week before you need to make fresh, just add additional spice to make it stronger later on in the week. Make sure you stir it once in a while to release the oils in the orange and apple, and to prevent it sticking to the bottom of the pan, it works fast to eliminate odors in your home!

    If I were creative here would be the area I would say something witty, and make everyone giggle about a little whiskey in the baby's bottle to cure colic, or a butcher knife to the groin to cure a cheating husband, but unfortunately I am not funny :)


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